House Communications - News

3-5-25 No Charges Filed: Rep. Tricia Byrnes Moves to Improve 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Following an incident at the Missouri State Capitol on February 20, 2025, the Cole County Prosecutor’s Office has announced that no charges will be filed against State Representative Tricia Byrnes. On that date, law enforcement officers responded to the Capitol building in reference to a potential emergency, prompting an investigation into the matter.

3-5-25 State Rep. Ray Reed Calls for Passage of House Bill 811 to Address Workforce Shortages and Promote OpportunityOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Representative Ray Reed is urging the Missouri legislature to pass House Bill 811, a crucial measure that would address workforce shortages and promote equality by ensuring skilled Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients have equitable access to professional licensing. This legislation would enable these individuals to fully contribute to Missouri’s economy and their communities.

3-4-25 VIDEO: Session Update from the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
The Missouri Legislative Black Caucus addressed reporters and fielded questions about the legislative session so far.

3-3-25 State Representative Wick Thomas Files House Bill 1459 to Repeal Same-Sex Marriage Ban in MissouriOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Representative Wick Thomas has introduced House Bill 1459, which seeks to repeal language in Missouri law that prohibits the recognition of same-sex marriages. The bill aims to remove provisions that define marriage exclusively as a union between a man and a woman and ensure that all couples, regardless of gender, receive equal legal recognition.

2-28-25 State Rep. Don Mayhew Files HB 1442 to Protect Missouri Citizens from Federal Overreach in Missouri National ParksOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Representative Don Mayhew has introduced HB 1442, the Natural Resource and Community Protection Act, to end federal overreach in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and other federally managed lands within Missouri. The bill ensures that local residents are not unfairly targeted by federal park rangers and that Missouri retains authority over its natural resources, wildlife, water rights, and land use.

2-28-25 VIDEO: House Votes to Tell Judges Not to Delay Finalizing Divorces due to PregnancyOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
The vote came after the bill sponsor shared her own experience with domestic violence, and how she found herself pregnant but unable to divorce her abuser.

2-27-25 VIDEO: House Democrat Media Conference 02-27-2025On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Missouri House Democrats spoke to reporters and fielded questions after the House wrapped up work for the week.

2-27-25 VIDEO: House Republican Media Conference 02-27-2025On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Missouri House Republicans spoke to reporters and fielded questions after the House wrapped up work for the week.

2-24-25 Collins Pushes Bill to Overturn Missouri’s Wrongful ConvictionsOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Missouri State Representative Kimberly-Ann Collins (D-77) has introduced House Bill 731, a legislative effort designed to allow freestanding claims of actual innocence in Missouri courts. The bill seeks to correct a significant gap in the state’s judicial process, where individuals with clear and convincing evidence of their innocence currently lack a legal pathway to overturn wrongful convictions.

2-24-25 Rep. Byrnes Exposes Critical Failures in 988 Crisis Hotline, Underscoring Urgent Need for ReformOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Rep. Tricia Byrnes is doubling down on her commitment to strengthen Missouri’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline after a firsthand test exposed alarming deficiencies in the system. Her legislation, House Bill 1148, directly addresses these failures by ensuring crisis counselors provide real, effective assistance to those in need.

2-24-25 State Representative Bennie Cook Announces Rescheduled District 143 Day at the CapitolOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Representative Bennie Cook announces that the previously scheduled Maries County and Texas County Days at the Capitol have been combined and rescheduled as District 143 Day, to be held April 8th, 2025.

2-24-25 Statement on the Harmful Consequences of Executive Order 25-18On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Following the issuing Executive Order 25-18, State Representative Kimberly-Ann Collins issued the following statement on the decision to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives from Missouri state agencies.

2-24-25 Restoration of Voting Rights to those on Probation and Parole is ProposedOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
It would lift the prohibition on voting rights for those on probation and parole for a felony conviction, unless their conviction was for a crime related to voting or elections.

2-20-25 Missouri House Passes HB 495 to Strengthen Public Safety and Address CrimeOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
This week, the Missouri House of Representatives passed HCS #2 HB 495, a sweeping public safety measure aimed at addressing crime, policing, and penalties for various offenses across the state. The bill, sponsored by State Representative Brad Christ, introduces significant changes designed to enhance public safety and address law enforcement challenges statewide.

2-20-25 Missouri House Passes HB 544 to Align Pesticide Regulations with Federal StandardsOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
The Missouri House of Representatives passed HB 544, a bill that seeks to standardize pesticide labeling requirements in the state. The legislation specifies that pesticides registered by federal agencies or labeled in accordance with federal guidelines will fulfill any state-mandated cancer warning label requirements.

2-20-25 Missouri House Passes HB 68, Reducing Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury ClaimsOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
This week, the Missouri House of Representatives passed HB 68, a bill that seeks to reduce the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Currently, individuals have five years from the date of an injury to file a lawsuit. Under the new legislation, this period will be reduced to two years for injuries occurring after August 28, 2025.

2-20-25 VIDEO: House Democrats' media conference for 02-20-2025On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Missouri House Democrats spoke to reporters and fielded questions after the House wrapped up work for the week.

2-20-25 VIDEO: House Republican media conference for 02-20-2025On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
House Republicans spoke about the week's work, previewed legislation to be considered next week, and answered questions.

2-20-25 VIDEO: House Equality Caucus media conference for 02-20-2025On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
The legislators of the Equality Caucus spoke to reporters and answered questions.

2-19-25 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Stripped From Higher Education FundingOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Representative Dirk Deaton, Chair of the House Budget Committee, announced today the formal filing of the appropriations bills for the 2025 legislative session. Included in the bill that appropriates money for public colleges and universities is language to ensure that state funds will not be used for contracts, programs, positions, or organizational entities within institutions of higher education that are solely focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or similar initiatives.

2-19-25 MEDIA ADVISORY: Lawmakers and Advocates to Address Gay and Transgender Legislation in MissouriOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Representative Wick Thomas, alongside LGBTQ+ legislators, advocacy groups, and allies, will hold a press conference to discuss legislation affecting gay and transgender Missourians and provide an update on where the legislation stands.

2-19-25 State Representative Phil Amato’s Statement on the “Save MO Babies Act” On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Today, Representative Phil Amato issued the following statement regarding HB 807, also known as the “Save MO Babies Act,” which aims to reform and improve Missouri’s adoption processes and is undergoing significant refinement to ensure the bills’ effectiveness.

2-18-25 House Republican Leaders Tout Amendment Extending Statute of Limitations for Childhood Sexual Abuse CasesOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Republican leaders in the Missouri House of Representatives today highlighted a significant amendment to HB 68 that will give survivors of childhood sexual abuse more time to seek justice.

2-18-25 Speaker Jon Patterson and House Republican Leadership Stand with House Budget Committee in Public Defender ControversyOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
House Speaker Jon Patterson, Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins, Majority Floor Leader Alex Riley, Assistant Majority Floor Leader Lane Roberts, Majority Whip Hardy Billington, Majority Caucus Chair Bennie Cook, and Majority Caucus Secretary Ann Kelley issued the following joint statement regarding a recent House Budget Committee hearing and testimony from the Office of Public Defenders—particularly concerning the employment of an individual convicted in connection with the 2007 murder of 9-year-old Rowan Ford.

2-18-25 VIDEO: Bills would require Cardiac Emergency Response Plans in SchoolsOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Representative Sherri Gallick (R-Belton) spoke to members of the media this morning about House Bill 232, her proposal to require public schools to have plans for personnel to respond to cardiac arrest incidents.

2-18-25 Bill to set Marriage Age at 18 clears House CommitteeOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Several lawmakers expressed support for the change as a way to protect children, especially from traffickers.

2-14-25 HB 624 Approved to Move Forward: Protecting Female Athletics On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Representative Bennie Cook’s legislation, HB 624, which removes the expiration date from the “Saving Girls Sports” bill, has received initial approval in the Emerging Issues Committee and is now set to advance to the next stage of the legislative process.

2-14-25 Legislators Host 2nd Annual Phelps County Day at the CapitolOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Representatives Tara Peters and Bennie Cook hosted the 2nd Annual Phelps County Day at the State Capitol on Tuesday. The event drew an impressive crowd and welcomed local elected city and county officials, Rolla Chamber of Commerce members, local business owners, St. James School Administration, and local constituents.

2-13-25 VIDEO: House Republicans' media conference 02-13-2025On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
House Republicans talked about the week's work and looked ahead to next week.

2-14-25 VIDEO: House Members Threaten Budget of State Public Defender over Hiring of Man Convicted in Relation to Stepdaughter's MurderOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
David Spears in 2012 pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and hindering prosecution in relation to the 2007 rape and murder of his stepdaughter, 9-year-old Rowan Ford. He now works for the Public Defenders Office’s West Plains bureau.

2-13-25 Media Advisory: Representative Sherri Gallick to Participate in Joint Media Availability Regarding House Bill 232 On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Representative Sherri Gallick, R-Belton, will participate in a joint media availability with Senator Kurtis Gregory, R-Marshall at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in the Missouri Senate Bingham Side Gallery to promote and discuss pending bipartisan legislation, House Bill 232, requiring schools to implement a cardiac emergency response plan.

2-13-25 Missouri House Passes HB 594 & 508 to Provide Significant Tax Relief and Boost Economic GrowthOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
The Missouri House of Representatives has approved House Bills 594 and 508, landmark legislation aimed at providing tax relief to hardworking Missourians and making the Show-Me State more competitive for businesses and entrepreneurs.

2-13-25 Missouri House Passes HB 737 to Strengthen Protections for Foster ChildrenOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
The Missouri House of Representatives has passed House Bill 737, legislation aimed at improving the welfare of foster children across the state. Sponsored by State Rep. Melissa Schmidt, the bill ensures that federal benefits intended for foster children are used solely for their unmet needs, rather than being absorbed by the state.

2-13-25 Missouri House Passes HB 75 to Strengthen Religious Freedom ProtectionsOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
The Missouri House of Representatives has given initial approval to House Bill 75, also known as the Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Cathy Jo Loy. The bill ensures that public officials cannot limit or prohibit religious gatherings, reinforcing First Amendment protections for Missourians.

2-13-25 Seitz Presents HB 113 and HB 1016On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Representative Bill Seitz is proud to announce the presentation of House Bills 113 and 1016 to committee in the Missouri State Legislature on February 3rd, 2025. The passage of these bills would affect how healthcare providers and schools handle matters pertaining to transgender minors.

2-13-25 Seitz Stands Up for Religious Freedom Protection BillOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Rep. Bill Seitz addressed fellow House members Tuesday morning during debate over House Bill 75, which establishes the Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act.

2-13-25 Speaker Patterson Celebrates First House Bills Passed in the 2025 Legislative SessionOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Today, Speaker Jon Patterson celebrated the swift passage of House Bills (HB) 737 & 486, HBs 594 & 508, HBs 595 & 343, and HB 75 as the first round of legislation the House passed during the 103rd General Assembly.

2-13-25 State Representative Jeff Vernetti Champions Community and Economic Development with House Bills 105 and 106On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
A month into the new legislative session, State Representative Jeff Vernetti is proud to sponsor House Bills 105 and 106, two pieces of legislation designed to support community growth and economic development in Missouri.

2-13-25 VIDEO: House Democrats' media conference 02-13-2025On Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
House Democrats fielded reporters' questions after the close of legislative work for the week:

2-11-25 Committee Assignments 103rd General AssemblyOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Representative Marty Joe Murray is proud to announce his House committee assignments, as designated by House Speaker Jonathan Patterson. Rep. Murray will serve on three key House committees: Administration and Accounts, Budget, and Financial Institutions, as well as the Subcommittee on Appropriations for General Administration in the 103rd General Assembly.

2-11-25 MEDIA ADVISORY: State Rep. Ray Reed to Host Press Conference on DACA Legislation During Hispanic Capitol DayOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Representative Ray Reed will hold a press conference on Hispanic Capitol Day to announce House Bill 811, legislation aimed at addressing workforce shortages and promoting equality. The bill ensures skilled DACA recipients have equitable access to professional licensing, allowing them to fully contribute to Missouri’s economy and their communities.

2-7-25 State Rep. Rudy Veit Named Chair of the Missouri State Capitol CommissionOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
The Missouri State Capitol Commission has appointed State Representative Rudy Veit as Chair and Chief Clerk Joe Engler as Vice Chair during its February 6, 2025, meeting.

2-7-2025 VIDEO: House panel votes to tell judges they cannot delay finalization of a divorce until after a pregnancyOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
One sponsor shared her own experience with domestic violence as evidence as why the change is needed.

2-6-2025 VIDEO: House Democrats' End of Week Press ConferenceOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
House Democrats fielded reporters' questions after the close of legislative work for the week.

2-6-2025 VIDEO: House Republicans' End of Week Press ConferenceOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Majority Floor Leader Alex Riley (R-Springfield) addressed reporters and answered questions after the close of House business on Thursday.

2-5-25 VIDEO: House Chaplain's Prayer Mindful of KC Chiefs' Super Bowl AppearanceOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Msgr. Robert A. Kurwicki today delivered a prayer that reflected the hopes of the chamber's Kansas City Chiefs fans.

2-3-25 VIDEO: Reps Address Bills on Transgender Issues, Announce Equality ConferenceOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
Missouri House Democrats spoke to reporters ahead of a committee hearing in which eight bills dealing with transgender issues will be presented, and announce they have formed the Equality Conference.

1-31-25 State Rep. Dirk Deaton Awarded 2025 "Friend of Corn" AwardOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
The Missouri Corn Growers Association has recognized State Representative Dirk Deaton with the 2025 Friend of Corn Award for his steadfast support of Missouri’s corn producers and the agriculture industry.

1-30-25 MEDIA ADVISORY: Press Conference to be Held on Upcoming Hearing on Transgender IssuesOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Representative Wick Thomas, along with LGBT members of the Missouri Legislature, advocacy organizations, and allies, will hold a press conference to address legislation related to transgender issues. The proposed bills, which include restrictions on gender transition procedures and limitations on transgender athletes participating in athletic competitions, will be heard in the House Committee on Emerging Issues at 4:30 p.m. on the same day.

1-29-25 State Rep. John Voss Introduces Legislation to Modernize Standards and Requirements for Missouri CoronersOn Selection You Will Jump to the iframe below
State Representative John Voss has announced legislation for the 2025 legislative session aimed at modernizing Missouri’s coroner offices. The proposed bill, HB 1122, introduces mandatory annual training requirements for coroners and their deputies, increases pay parity with other county officials, and establishes a grant program to support training expenses for smaller counties.

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